CHELSEA are considering a surprise move for controversial former Juventus defender Martin Caceres.

The Uruguayan, 29, is a free agent after being released by Juventus at the end of last season having had problems with injuries and a drink-drive incident in an unhappy end to his five years at the club.

Caceres, who played under Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, has not been involed in any playing action since February and the Stamford Bridge club want to check on his fitness levels before making any decision.

Chelsea's ins and outs of the summer transfer window

Sun, September 4, 2016

Click through the gallery for the full round-up of Chelsea's incomings and outgoings during the summer transfer window

Click through the gallery for the full round-up of Chelsea's incomings and outgoings during the summer transfer window

Caceres fell out with Conte’s successor Massimiliano Allegri and a year ago was suspended and fined by the club after crashing his Ferrari into a bus shelter and parked cars when found to be over the alcohol limit. Juventus said at the time that Ceceras’ actions were a “gross violation” of his duties to the club.

The defender, who can play either as a centre-half or right-back, won five Serie A titles at Juventus and helped them reach the 2015 Champions League final.

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Antonio Conte wants to check the fitness of Caceres before making a move

Conte has asked for Caceres’s medical reports and Chelsea are in discussions with his agent Daniele Fonseca but, if he decides to make an offer to a player who was on a salary of about £2.1million a year, Conte will face competition from Inter and AC Milan, Roma and Napoli.

Conte signed two new defenders on transfer deadline day in £30m David Luiz and £21m Marcos Alonso, but is believed to still want cover at the back.